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Palace are looking to dent Arsenal’s title charge (Picture: Metro/Getty) Arsenal welcome Crystal Palace to the Emirates as they look to extend their lead at the top of the Premier League this afternoon. Surprise defeats for Liverpool and Chelsea were a welcome boost for Mikel Arteta on Saturday, whose side are on a six-game winning run. It will be an emotional match for Eberechi Eze who plays against his former side for the first time, but there is concern that star defender Gabriel Magalhaes may miss out through injury. Like Arsenal, Palace have lost just one league game but travel to north London off the back of an embarrassing defeat to Cypriot side AEK Larnaca in the Conference League. After drawing this fixture last season, victory today would be a massive statement for the Gunners, but defeat would allow Manchester City to take the lead of the title race if they beat Aston Villa. Metro’s LIVE matchday blog will bring you all the build-up, confirmed team news and starting XIs, goal updates and minute-by-minute coverage. Newest first Oldest first October 26, 2025 1:44 pm Ferguson inspires Arteta Callum McAvoy (Photo by Stuart MacFarlane/Arsenal FC via Getty Images) Sir Alex Ferguson once said: ‘Attack wins you games, defence wins you titles.’Mikel Arteta couldn’t agree more and is extremely proud of his side’s defensive record this season: 12 games, three goals conceded.Asked about Si Alex’s famous quote, the Arsenal manager said: ‘He’s right. We defend to attack better.‘[But] that’s the intention, not to concede. We have that mindset.’ October 26, 2025 1:32 pm Eagles flying high Callum McAvoy (Credits: Getty Images) Arsenal are in sensational form but so are Palace, having lost just one of their last 14 Premier League games and conceding just eight goals this season.Their attack is also the most creative in the league, boasting the highest expected goals – though finishing their chances has been a problem.Unstoppable force vs unmovable object? Not quite, but this will be a fascinating encounter. October 26, 2025 1:24 pm Shearer’s prediction Callum McAvoy (Photo by HENRY NICHOLLS/AFP via Getty Images) Premier League legend Alan Shearer has shared his predictions with the Metro via Betfair:‘Palace played on Thursday night, in Europe, so with Arsenal playing their game on Tuesday that’s a big factor as well. ‘Even as good a team as Palace are, as good a forward Mateta is, just looking at Arsenal in midweek and the way they can shift it around with two or three players – they’ll have too much for Palace.‘The extra days’ rest is massive going into such a big game, and it’s an away game. I know they don’t have to travel and it’s in London, but you’d be amazed at how the atmosphere at home can pull you and drag you through.‘Prediction – Arsenal win’ October 26, 2025 1:16 pm Eze was ‘prepared’ to join Spurs Callum McAvoy (Photo by James Gill – Danehouse/Getty Images) It’s a big day for Eberechi Eze. The Crystal Palace legend plays against the Eagles for the first time since his £67.5million transfer to the Emirates in August.It could have been very different for the England star however, as he nearly moved to Arsenal’s arch-rivals Tottenham instead.Ahead of this London derby, Eze revealed he was ‘prepared’ to join Spurs but suddenly changed his mind. Read the full story here. October 26, 2025 1:05 pm Liverpool and Chelsea lose Callum McAvoy (Credits: Getty Images) There were two massive results in the Premier League yesterday that could have huge ramifications for the title race.Liverpool fell to a fourth consecutive league defeat, losing 3-2 at Brentford, while Sunderland came from behind to beat Chelsea 2-1 in injury time.A win today would send Arsenal seven points clear of the Reds and eight ahead of the Blues after just nine games. (Photo by HENRY NICHOLLS/AFP via Getty Images) October 26, 2025 12:56 pm Gabriel starts Callum McAvoy (Photo by Stuart MacFarlane/Arsenal FC via Getty Images) The big news from those line-ups is that Gabriel has been passed fit to start following an injury scare in training.Eberechi Eze does start against his former club for the first time. It would be prophetic if he scored his maiden Premier League goal for Arsenal today.Palace have no major injury concerns so their line-up is as expected. Former Gunners striker Eddie Nketiah is on the bench. October 26, 2025 12:49 pm Confirmed Crystal Palace starting XI Callum McAvoy Crystal Palace XI: Henderson, Richards, Lacroix, Guehi, Munoz, Kamada, Wharton, Mitchell, Sarr, Pino, MatetaSubs: Benitez, Clyne, Canvot, Sosa, Lerma, Hughes, Devenny, Uche, Nketiah October 26, 2025 12:47 pm Confirmed Arsenal starting XI Callum McAvoy Arsenal XI: Raya, Timber, Saliba, Gabriel, Calafiori, Zubimendi, Rice, Eze, Saka, Gyokeres, TrossardSubs: Arrizabalaga, White, Lewis-Skelly, Mosquera, Hincapie, Norgaard, Merino, Nwaneri, Martinelli October 26, 2025 12:38 pm Arsenal vs Crystal Palace TV channel Callum McAvoy (Credits: Arsenal FC via Getty Images) Arsenal vs Crystal Palace is being broadcast live on Sky Sports Premier League and you can also live stream the game on the Sky Go app and NOW TV for subscribers.But why do that when you can follow all the action right here on our dedicated LIVE blog. October 26, 2025 12:35 pm Arsenal vs Crystal Palace kick-off time Callum McAvoy (Photo by Alex Burstow/Arsenal FC via Getty Images) Today’s game at the Emirates will kick-off at 2pm.It’s a jam packed day of Premier League action with three other games on at the same time including Aston Villa vs Manchester City.Everton host Tottenham later this afternoon October 26, 2025 12:29 pm Welcome! Callum McAvoy (Photo by Stuart MacFarlane/Arsenal FC via Getty Images) Good afternoon and welcome to Metro’s LIVE coverage of Sunday’s big Premier League clash between Arsenal and Crystal Palace.It’s North London vs South London, with the Gunners hoping to extend their lead at the top of the table.The all-important team news is on the way…
